Ehards29: Hello all! This is my first Narnia fic, so be nice please. Basically it's a coming of age story for Peter as he finds his first love amid a looming war (as stated in my summary). My OC is not Mary-Sue because it's my fic, and I hate Mary Sues, so if you don't like it, don't read it! With that in mind, enjoy The Sword of Andriah.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Sword of Andriah

By: Ehards29

Chapter One: High King Peter's Birthday and What Came of It

Today was a great day for all of Narnia. The sun was shinning high in the great Southern Sky; the air was warm and temperate. The birds sang a sweet song, the dwarfs made their famous mushroom stew and the dryads and the fauns sang and danced all night long, for today was the birthday High King Peter the Magnificent. The castle at Cair Paravel was dressed in her finest décor, her guests the same way. Only the best china, the best silverware, the best tablecloths would be accepted. All of the Cair's distinguished guests wore their finest Galmanian silk, their best Calormene gold. The Narnian flag, the bold red and gold Lion, flowed proudly in the wind. But no part of the celebration, not the silverware, nor the silk, nor any flag could compare with the fanfare that surrounded the High King himself. He wore a shinning smile, dressed in his finest, his back proud and straight, his crown shinning in the sun. The celebration was in the Pevensie family tradition with a cake, presents, stories and plenty of dancing. After Peter blew out his 18 candles, opened his numerous presents (Lucy's was his favorite, a warm, wool hat she knit herself), listened to the fauns tell their famous Narnian tales, blushing sheepishly every time one was about himself, there came the dancing.

He danced with his two dear sisters, spinning them around until the practically fell down from laughter and dizziness. He danced with the dryads, their mouths forming a mischievous smile, their wild hair flowing as they floated across the dance floor. He even danced with Edmund, much to his younger brother's embarrassment. But it seemed that King Peter had less and less time to dance with his friends this birthday. Many young ladies seemed to desire his company. A Galman Countess here, a Terebinthian Dutchess there, his head was spinning. It seemed that as soon as he would start dancing with one young lady, another would request his company.

"King Peter, have you met my daughter, Countess Isabel?"

"Peter let me introduce you to my niece, Princess Jasmeen!"

"Your Majesty, could you honor me with this dance?"

"King Peter, tell me again about how you led Alsan's army to defeat that horrible witch!"

Peter's feet and head were aching by the time he finally got a chance to have a seat. Lucy's dear friend, the faun Tumnus decided to join the exhausted young king.

"Is your birthday celebration enjoyable King Peter?" he enquired, having a seat next to the High King.

"Oh yes Mr. Tumnus, it's just…"

"What is it?"

"I certainly seem to be popular with the ladies of the court tonight, I can't say I remember it being this way my last birthday, I dare say I'm a bit confused."
Tumnus laughed, quickly ceasing when he saw in Peter's eyes that he was not kidding.

"Certainly My Lord knows that today is his 18th birthday?"

Peter continued to look perplexed. Of course he knew.

"Oh dear." Tunmus mumbled under his breath. "Peter, I thought you knew."

"Knew what?" Peter enquired.

"Well," Tumnus began, "When a member of nobility turns 18 it signals to the world that he is now a man."

"And…?" He could tell by the look on Tumnus's face that he was not going to like what he was about to be told.

"And that he or she is ready for, for, well, marriage My Lord."
Peter blinked several times, allowing the meaning of Tumnus's words to sink in. Him? Marriage? But he was only 18! Back in England he would be heading off to the University, not finding himself a wife! He wasn't ready for this, he was too young!

"King Peter, I was wondering if you would dance with me, this song is my absolute favorite!"

It was going to be a long night.

Several weeks had past since King Peter's 18th birthday and the members of his court had made it their top priority to find their High King a suitable Queen. His first excursion had been awful. The young woman was pretty enough, but spent the entire dinner reading her book, scolding him when he attempted to make conversation with her. The second, the daughter of the Governor of the Lone Islands broke her nose tripping over her dress, and could not make it to dinner. The next was a wealthy daughter of a much esteemed Tarkaan. Peter was very much looking forward to meeting her, hearing of her great beauty, but when she entered his chambers, she took one look at him, and loudly proclaimed, "Next!" King Lune's niece paid him a visit, but was so hard of seeing that she mistakened Peter for a marble column. Finally, the chance the High King of Narnia had been waiting for came. He was heading to Terebinthia to meet the daughter of Count Tanworth. He had heard of her to be well-read and traveled, and that her eyes shined like a mid-summer's sun, with skin as pure as snow, and a smile that made the sun himself jealous. As Peter waited to meet her in the great hall of the Count's estate, he imagined their future together, the balls they would attend, the political discussions they would have, the children they would raise. Perhaps this would not be so bad after all! The doors swung open.

"Lady Alda is ready to see you King Peter", her lady-in-waiting announced.

Peter took a deep breath, adjusted his crown and entered the chamber. Peter was greeted by a woman who looked to be in her mid-30s, who reminded him a bit of the pictures of his mother when she was younger.

"Can I help you?" She enquired.

"I'm looking for Lady Alda." Peter announced.

The woman looked at him strangely.

"My dear boy, I am Lady Alda."
Peter just stood their, trying desperately not to let his chin drop to the ground.

The woman eyed him, focusing on the gold crown atop his head.

"High King Peter of Narnia?"
Lady Alda grinned sheepishly.

"It seems there has a been a bit of a misunderstanding"

Dinner that night was less than enjoyable for Peter the Magnificent.

"Really Peter, I thought Alda was just your type." Edmund taunted.

Susan attempted to stifle her laughter, Lucy did the same, however she was quite unsuccessful.

Peter threw his siblings a nasty glance, announcing over his shoulder that he wanted his dinner in his room. It was going to be a long birthday for Peter.

Ehards29: How'd ya like it? Drop me a review kids, it makes my day!